SLATES, SLIDE RULERS, AND SOFTWARE--TEACHING MATH IN AMERICA
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In the 1990s, the number of students  attending elementary school rose, and preschool enrollments soared. Manufacturers responded with a wide range of “manipulatives” for classroom use.

As computers and other electronic devices became commonplace in math teaching, courses in subjects ranging from arithmetic to calculus were reshaped to take advantage of these tools. Teachers emphasized the importance of basic understanding of numbers, measurement, and methods of problem-solving.
 
Smithsonian Early Enrichment Center - Click to enlarge
STUDENT LEARNING AT SMITHSONIAN EARLY
ENRICHMENT CENTER
 
 

Handheld electronic calculators that plot functions are now found in many classrooms. The Japanese firm of Casio introduced them into the United States in 1986. This Casio calculator (below; left) was used at San Juan High School in Citrus Heights, California.  

 

 




Casio FX-7000G - Click to enlarge
GRAPHING CALCULATOR-- CASIO FX-7000G

 

 
HP28-C - Click to enlarge

GRAPHING CALCULATOR--HP28-C

 
  Manufacturers in the United States, such as Texas Instruments and Hewlett Packard, soon introduced graphing calculators that could plot functions and manipulate symbols. These early models have now been replaced by more powerful calculators.

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The Smithsonian Institution's National Museum of American History, Behring Center